By: Kailee Fussner, Customer Success Manager at Suzy

Before becoming a mom, I used to imagine that traveling with kids would be impossible (likely because that’s what everyone else told us). My husband and I have always loved to travel, and after welcoming our son, we made a promise to ourselves that we weren’t going to stop traveling. 

In our son's first year, we took 3 trips to Disney World, a road trip to Maine and a vacation to Mexico. We’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that traveling with a little one means trading in jam-packed itineraries and spontaneous detours for flexibility, snacks, naps and stroller-friendly routes.

Families everywhere are rethinking how they travel. Broader consumer research shows that many U.S. parents are shifting their spending priorities in 2025, favoring memorable experiences over material possessions.

Here are three trends shaping how parents are planning vacations today—plus how Suzy can help brands better understand them.

Vacation rentals offer cost efficiency, flexibility and comfort

According to a 2024 market forecast, the global demand for vacation rentals continues to surge thanks to their cost-effectiveness, comfort, and flexibility. Unlike hotel rooms, vacation rentals offer a home-like experience, complete with full kitchens, private spaces and customizable amenities. These features aren't just convenient; they’re essential for families traveling with kids, especially when routine matters.

When your little one goes to bed at 8pm, having a separate room means the night doesn’t have to end for the grownups too. Having a kitchen means picky toddlers can have familiar food, babies’ bottles can be warmed at any hour and teenagers can grab midnight snacks all without leaving the property.

Vacation rentals offer families a compelling combination of cost efficiency, flexibility, and ample comfort/space that traditional hotel stays often can’t match. It’s not just convenience, it’s about replicating the rhythms of home to make travel more enjoyable for everyone​.

‍

Multigenerational travel is on the rise

More families are vacationing together across generations. Think: parents, kids, and grandparents. The annual Travel Outlook Survey by International Medical Group (IMG) reveals that 35% of families planned domestic or international trips with multiple generations in 2024. 

One of our Disney World trips included my parents and sisters. Not only was it one of our favorite vacations, but it also came with built-in babysitters, helping hands at the airport and people to share in those magic-filled moments. My family loved seeing my son light up seeing Mickey Mouse just as much as my husband and I. 

We’re not alone in this either. 89% of Millennials and Gen Z-aged parents desire more quality time with their extended family members while traveling, with 72% willing to take their kids out of school to travel. Multi-generational family trips were also super popular in 2024, with 21% of travelers saying they traveled with several generations of family.

‍

Families are repeating destinations they love

Traveling with kids is no small feat, so it’s no surprise that more parents are choosing familiarity.

We’ve completely embraced this trend. You’re probably thinking––Disney World 3 times with a child under 1, are you crazy? Each time, it felt easier, more enjoyable and somehow even more magical. We know where to stay, how to navigate the parks, the best snacks and where to find quiet spaces when we all need a break. Huge added bonus: it’s one of the few places we can fly direct from Syracuse, NY!

Parents may return to the same vacation spots year after year because of comfort, routine and the desire to create traditions. It’s not just about the trip, it’s about making memories that stick. There’s comfort in knowing what to expect. Familiarity reduces stress and lets us focus more on the experience, less on logistics.

Traveling as a parent definitely looks different but different isn’t bad. It’s slower, more intentional, and often a lot more memorable. We’ve traded late-night dinners for early morning stroller walks. We plan a little more, rest a little more, and pack a lot more.  

💡 Want to better understand how families are planning, booking, and traveling? Launch a Suzy Speaks survey. This AI-moderated voice methodology helps brands hear directly from parents like me—how we plan, what we value, and how our needs are evolving in real time​. Not a Suzy Speaks user just yet? Download our travel trends report and get insights now.

Let’s just say there’s more to learn than what fits in a five-star review.

‍

‍